USA - Insurance : Quotes

Are you liable if someone drives your car?

Last Updated: Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Do you have a vehicle? Are you a good driver? And are you a responsible one? Well, there are a lot of instances when a diverse person drives a car other than his own – a business driver, a private driver, a friend borrowing his buddie's auto, a valet at a pricey hotel or at a casino. Some business drivers are taking turns when they are in for a long drive. Much more often than not, these arrangements go well. However, there are instances when they meet an accident. Right after such accident, if you own the car they are driving, you then tend to ask yourself whether you are liable or not.
 
Most of the times the USA auto insurance providers cover the expenses of the auto but not the liability of the driver in the auto at the time of the accident. The general rule is that the owner of the auto is the one who will be answering to the claims of the other, but there are exceptions to that rule. Your auto insurance will cover for your vehicle. The other driver's insurance will kick in if and when the damage brought on exceeds your coverage quantity. As soon as you are informed by the person driving your auto that he met an accident, you should right away notify your insurance company.
 
When you lend your car to a friend, and he meets an accident, your insurance company would probably boost your rates. You, as the owner of the automobile, are responsible even if you gave permission to the other person to drive your vehicle. If your friend could prove that he was not at fault, possibly the other driver's insurance policy would cover for the damages he caused to your auto. And it may not have a huge impact on your rates. A vehicle crash can have a negative impact on your rates as a policyholder, that is why it is crucial to note that lending cars to those persons you don't fully trust is a bad idea.
 
Supposing your neighbor borrowed your car keys since he wanted to see the interiors of your automobile when in fact he stole it and took it for a ride, without having your permission and meets an accident, you will not be responsible for the harm your neighbor caused. Or when a thief stole your automobile and met an accident en route to escape, you will not be held liable for the damages caused. By the time you discover that your car has been stolen, you must report it to the nearby authorities instantly. Why are you not liable? The explanation is easy. You can not be held liable since you did not give your permission for them to drive your vehicle. Realistically, who in their correct mind would give permission to a well known thief to drive their vehicle – no one, right? These instances occur each year, that is why you should know your responsibilities.